What is the AOECS Gluten-Free Addendum Audit Program?
The AOECS Gluten-Free Addendum Audit Program is an Audit Protocol. It is designed to cover all requirements and expectations within the current AOECS Standard when delivered in combination with a GFSI Benchmarked Food Safety Standard (GFSI Benchmarking Requirements Version 2020). These certification standards include BRCGS, IFS, FSSC 22000, and SQF.
Having an audit that combines the AOECS Gluten-Free Addendum with any of the GFSI Benchmarked Standards offers new opportunities to Food Business Operators and helps them to maximize efficiencies, whilst avoiding unnecessary duplication and costs.
SGS has become the first globally approved Certification Body for the provision of the program. Other certification bodies will come soon.
How can I use the addendum in a food audit?
If you are a certification body interested in conducting audits using the AOECS Gluten-Free Addendum Program, you need to contact the National Coeliac Society of your own country. They will walk you through the different steps to work with them (e.g., you will need to be accredited to conduct GFSI audits, and develop an audit checklist for the AOECS Addendum)
How does the AOECS Gluten-Free Addendum work with AOECS Stand-alone audit, or with the AOECS-GFCP?
Food Business Operators interested in becoming CGT license-holder can get their production sites audited using one of the following alternatives:
- The AOECS Standard with a stand-alone audit conducted by an approved Certification Body or individual auditor,
- The AOECS Gluten-Free Addendum, alongside a food safety audit conducted against one of the GFSI benchmarked standards,
- The AOECS-GFCP Programme, which is a gluten-free audit against the BRCGS Gluten-Free Certification Standard but taking into consideration the AOECS Position Paper.
These three alternatives are now available for Food Business Operators, and they can choose the best option that is available in their country.
Do you want to know more about the AOECS Gluten-Free Addendum? Ask for us to send you a copy of the document by clicking below.
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